CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Thousands of people attended the 46th annual Taste of Cincinnati.
Delicious food, drinks and excited people filled the downtown streets on Saturday.
The annual event provided opportunities for people to meet others, learn about the city and experience new cuisines.
Tina Minor and Nyla Harding say they just moved to the area, and the event has really helped them get to know Cincinnati.
"We met a lot of people, we're walking, talking," they say. "It's a great connection for the city."
"We've tried different variety of foods from so many different places. I tried my first beignet today. I was super excited."
Rachel Salle says she's lived in Cincinnati her whole life and is enjoying the festival for the first time. She says it's nice to see the community coming together.
"It's a moment of peace, respite, calm and camaraderie," she said. "I love it."
Ron Turner says he lives in Indianapolis and comes to town for the Taste of Cincinnati every year.
"Nice 69, 70 degrees, beautiful temperature, beautiful people," he said. "I couldn't ask for anything better."
Turner says wearing the food is almost as fun as eating it. He says he's proudly wearing his stained shirt as a trophy for the delicious food he ate Saturday.
"The taste of Cincinnati, I love to come here and get dirty," he says.
Teresa Williams says the Taste of Cincinnati is always the perfect weekend to help her find new local businesses to support.
"When you can get a sampling for little or nothing, I think that really builds their customer base and say, 'oh, where are you based? I want to come visit and have some more of that.'"
The festival goes on through Monday, so if you haven't been out here yet, you still have plenty of time.
Downtown with photjournalist philip krinsky i'm alexis martin fox19now